As defined by this paper:
Dentine hypersensitivity is characterized by short, sharp pain arising from exposed dentine in response to stimuli, typically thermal, evaporative, tactile, osmotic or chemical and which cannot be ascribed to any other dental defect or pathology.
In a typical case of dentine hypersensitivity, does thermal stimuli:
- Trigger a sharp sensation of pain without actually damaging the dentine
- Trigger a sharp sensation pain caused by physical damage to the dentine
Consider the case where a patient suffering from dentine hypersensitivity is taking painkillers, rendering them unable to feel pain from thermal stimuli.
Is there any reason this patient should avoid thermal stimuli, such as an ice-cold beverage?
I am not asking if it is advisable to take painkillers for dentine hypersensitivity. A patient could be taking painkillers for any number of non-dentine hypersensitivity reasons, such as back pain.